There are a few simple ways you can save money and get more groceries in these tough economic times. Budgets and workable plans, along with list-making and careful shopping can make all the difference. The following are just samples of changes that once made, will stretch your food budget.
Clipping Coupons
Look for coupons. Go online, check your local paper, check flyer packets and look for in-store coupons. Each time you use a coupon for a product, you save money. It may not seem like a vast amount at the time, but the more coupons you use, the more you save and ultimately it all adds up.
There is one drawback to coupon use. If you stick with products you know or want to try, then coupon clipping can really benefit you. However, if you are one of those shoppers who buys something just because you have a coupon for it, you're not likely saving cash, but actually costing yourself some in the long run. I know a few people who have drawers or closets of "stuff" they never would have bought and sometimes never use. Make sure you use or want to use the products you buy with coupons.
Comparison Shopping
Check more than one store for your grocery needs. Big super centres and discount stores are often selling a product you want at a lower price. Keep aware though, because not all super stores are super. Some sell items at a raised price with the intent that shoppers will buy these items simply because they are already in the store, not wanting to waste gas and time on searching for a more reasonable price.
The best way to comparison shop is to know your products. Jot down the items you regularly use, know their sale prices and check other locations with those figures. Combine the trips, so that you use less gas and again, save money.
Per Volume Shopping
Be sure to check the volume per gram / kg / mg etc on the sale item and often, what might seem like a really good bargain ends up being more per volume than another size of the same purchase. Make sure that that larger bag of chips isn't more expensive than the two medium sized. Check their measure and divide the price by that number - this gives you the "per volume" price to compare.
The main goal with frugal shopping is to stay aware, know what you're buying, go shopping for particular items with a list and avoid impulse buying or shopping while hungry. These few alterations in your grocery shopping routine will save a surprising amount of cash and give you more value for your family's food dollar.
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